Deputy Director of External Affairs, NS-M6

Overview

Under the general direction of the Department’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Deputy, the Deputy Director of External Affairs, NS-M6, will be the chief communications strategist, chief spokesperson, and principal liaison to government partners and stakeholders, including all media outlets. This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished communications executive to operate at the highest levels of State government - helping translate complex regulatory work into clear, credible, and compelling public narratives that matter.

The Deputy Director will personally direct and oversee communications strategy, media relations, stakeholder engagement and intergovernmental relations, as well as perform additional duties that include, but are not limited to, the management of the following tasks:

• Managing a talented team responsible for media relations, online content, executive correspondence, and intergovernmental affairs.
• Drafting, reviewing and securing final approval of all press releases and statements to the press; news materials; talking points and speeches; opinion pieces;
  Agency reports; official Department social media posts and online content; and external educational material.
• Overseeing the Agency’s website and digital presence to ensure content is timely, user-friendly, and accessible.
• Maintaining an active and engaging presence on the Department’s social media accounts and growing the number of followers of the Department’s digital presence.
• Interfacing with other Department offices to ensure accuracy of all external communications; coordinating public events such as public statement hearings and outreach and education meetings; responding to legislative inquiries; providing timely and accurate responses to Freedom of Information requests; and executive correspondence.
• Using data and audience insights to continually improve public engagement and transparency.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with government communication officials and community stakeholders and navigating complex issues with multiple constituencies with differing perspectives and needs.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets at the State and national levels.
• Establishing, maintaining, and strengthening effective working relationships with external stakeholders including, but not limited to, elected officials, professional and advocacy organizations, policy coalitions, and community organizations.
• Maintaining public-facing calendars of Public Service Commission sessions, public hearings, public comments deadlines, and other significant events of interest to the public.
• Supporting media activities with the Governor’s press office, other State agencies and relevant outside entities concerning press events and activities.
• Assisting offices in developing and executing external communications efforts to advance Department initiatives.
• Identifying opportunities to support organizational initiatives; developing communications materials and planning community programs to promote and publicize these activities.
• Performing advance logistics duties as necessary in preparation of upcoming public engagements and acting as Department liaison to ensure seamless coordination for staging events with various public officials.
• Fostering a culture of professionalism in all work.
• Applying first class interpersonal and communication skills and working collaboratively with Department Office Directors and Executive Staff.
• Performing other related duties as directed and assigned by the CEO or Executive Deputy.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree and at least nine years of relevant experience in external communications, public relations, government affairs, or media relations. Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills are a must.

Preferred qualifications include communications experience in the utilities or government sectors, and/or in the energy or environmental policy arena and relevant managerial experience.

This role is designed for a senior communications professional, preferably with experience in a managerial capacity, who thrives…